New Apple CarPlay Features in iOS 18.1 Beta 2

Apple has released iOS 18.1 Beta 2, bringing a wealth of exciting new features and improvements to Apple CarPlay. This update focuses on improving the user experience, fixing bugs, and introducing new features that make using CarPlay more intuitive and enjoyable. Let’s take a look at the highlights of this update:

Media playback improvements

One of the most significant new features in iOS 18.1 Beta 2 is the ability to record audio while listening to media from popular sources like Apple Music and Spotify. To use this feature, simply enable stereo recording and audio playback in the settings. This opens up new possibilities for capturing important moments or ideas on the go.

Siri gets a visual upgrade

Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, has received a visual makeover in this update. When activated via a long press of the power button, Siri now displays a solid animation ring and has a fresh new graphical style. This improves the overall aesthetic and makes interacting with Siri more visually appealing. Additionally, the device pinning feature has been updated with visual improvements, making it more intuitive and user-friendly.

• The return of the classic home button: In a nostalgic twist, the classic Home button icon returns to the App Library and Home page. This familiar touch adds a sense of comfort and familiarity to the interface.
• Messaging improvements: The auto-messaging feature has been reintroduced, along with new animations for attached profile photos in messages. The reply icon has also been updated for better clarity, making communicating through CarPlay more seamless.
• Displaying sports results: Although the way sports scores are displayed has been improved, there may still be minor bugs and occasional glitches.

Customizable silent mode and accessibility

iOS 18.1 Beta 2 introduces new Silent Mode settings, allowing you to customize alerts and system sounds to your preferences. This gives you more control over notifications and helps minimize distractions while driving. In terms of accessibility, the Voice Control and Sound Recognition features remain effective and unchanged. However, a new microphone icon has been added to Voice Control, making it easier to identify and access the feature.

Fresh wallpapers and focus mode

The update introduces a collection of new wallpapers that support both dark and light modes, giving you the flexibility to personalize your CarPlay interface. Additionally, Focus mode, powered by Apple Intelligence, helps reduce interruptions and lets you focus on the task at hand. This feature is especially useful when you need to stay focused on the road.

• Apple Maps: While the existing zoom feature in Apple Maps still has bugs, it’s important to note that no new zooming features have been introduced in this update.
• Third-party device support: You can still use third-party devices to watch YouTube and other media through CarPlay, ensuring compatibility with your favorite entertainment platforms.

Stability and bug fixes: The iOS 18.1 Beta 2 update aims to address various bugs and improve overall stability. By addressing these issues, Apple aims to provide a smoother and more reliable CarPlay experience.

In summary, the iOS 18.1 Beta 2 update for Apple CarPlay brings a ton of exciting new features and improvements. From the ability to record audio and visual Siri updates to a customizable silent mode and new wallpapers, this update takes the CarPlay experience to new heights. While there are still some minor bugs, the overall stability and user experience improvements make this update a valuable addition for CarPlay users. As Apple continues to refine and innovate, we can expect even more exciting changes in future updates.

Source and image credit: HotshotTek

Filed under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News

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